Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2) (12 page)

Lucy

Landon was home before me. It was
really weird that he beats me home. I know he’s feeling down about the
suspension but he had his appointment today to test for steroids. They said it
will only take a couple of days to get the results and he’ll be back. He was
sitting on the couch with his back to me. I walked up behind him and threw my
arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek.

“Honey I’m home.” I sing songed and
he laughed.

He grabbed me and pulled me over the
back of the chair and I landed awkwardly on him. I slapped his chest. “Hey
baby. And when you come home I want a real kiss.” He said and leaned down to
place a soft kiss on my lips. When he pulled back I grinned like an idiot.

He began playing with my hair and
cleared his throat. “Listen Lucy, we need to talk about what happened with
Dylan. I let it pass the other night because I knew how much it meant to you,
but I need to know everything that happened.”

I sighed and sat upright. “Landon I
told you. The moral of the story was that he had something against you and he’s
gunning for you.”

He rolled his eyes. “You know what
I’m asking. Give me details Lucy.”

I folded. “Fine. He cornered me and
basically taunted me a bit saying he’s a better man than you and I could leave
you for him. He asked if I loved you, he really only grabbed my arm.” I felt
him tense then but I continued. “But in the end I told him he wasn’t even on
your level… to fuck off. It’s over now, so just drop it. Don’t make it into
something bigger than it has to be.”

My cell phone rang and I went to
answer it. I saw it was Catherine, she had put some of my art work on display
once and she helped me pick out a school and get noticed by some people in the
art world. She had an awesome eye and we kept in touch. “Hey Catherine, how are
you?” I greeted her.

“Hello Lucy. I’m doing well actually.
I’m short on time but I needed to catch you as soon as possible. I’m having
another show in two weeks and it’s going to be on your campus. People are
looking forward to seeing some more of your stuff. Do you think you would like
to put together maybe 10 pieces or so for the show?” she asked quickly.

I squealed. “Yes! I would love to.
And don’t worry I’ll have Landon help. Can you text me the details and when I
need to drop the pieces? I can take pictures of the pieces and send them to you
beforehand.”

I could hear her clap her hand. “That
would be wonderful, thank you Lucy. You’re a hit. People have been buzzing
about you since the first one and well what kind of hostess would I be if I
didn’t give the people what they wanted. I’ll see you soon.”

We said our goodbyes and hung up. I
went back to Landon in the living room and plopped on his lap. I placed a wet
sloppy kiss on his lips and grinned. His eyebrows hit his forehead. “That was
Catherine. She’s doing a show here on campus and wants me to show about 10
pieces. So you mister have some work to do.”

He smiled and kissed me. “That’s
great Lucy. You know I’d take any chance I can get to rifle through your stuff.
When is it?” I asked.

She shrugged, “I’m not sure yet. But
make sure your ass is there.” I threatened.

He smiled. “Would I miss it babe?” he
asked.

I shook my head. “No Landon. You
wouldn’t.”

Catherine texted me a couple of hours
later stating the show would be in three weeks. I’d need to have my paintings
there the day before for the setup. The only problem is that Landon had an away
game that day. They would be leaving in the morning a couple of hours before
the show. I kind of wanted to beg his coach to postpone the time they leave
since they’re going to arrive really early. It’s only an hour away but he
wanted them to get in some practice time and rest before the game. Landon was
upset because he wanted to be there for me, but I assured him I would be fine.
Nick and Max were coming to support me. Dad and Sam would be coming up too. Landon
and I spent our free time going through my paintings trying to find the perfect
ones. In the meantime, I worked on a family portrait. There was a picture with
Dean, Landon, Nick, Erica, Max, and I that Mel took two Christmas’s ago. I had
the photo and I used it as my guide.

I got the painting finished within
two weeks which was a relief. Landon and I were able to narrow down which
paintings to use and the school was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming
event. I was nervous and eager at the same time. As the days closed in, more
and more people in the art department were gearing up to showcase their best
work around. The show was being held in the art department so some of the
student work will be on display around the halls and such but not directly in
the show. The day before Landon helped me drop off my work. I spotted Jasmine
there as we were leaving and she appeared to be setting up a painting in the
hall. I had no idea she was even into art.

She spotted us walking her way and
waved. “Hi Lucy, Landon.” She greeted us.

“Hi Jasmine.”

“Hey” Landon said in greeting.

She fidgeted with the hem of her
shirt and cleared her throat. “So Landon do you want to study together this weekend
for our economics test?” she asked hopefully.

I kept my mouth shut and just
watched. Landon grabbed the back of his neck and massaged. “Um.” He cleared his
throat and shifted his feet. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. But good luck,
yea?” he was so uncomfortable.

Her face dropped and she looked at me
then swung her gaze to Landon. “Oh ok. Right. That’s fine I get it. I meant to
just study, nothing more… but I understand.” She turned back around to finish
what she was doing.

When we were in front of the school
Landon let out a long breath and met my eyes. “God, she makes me
uncomfortable.” He confessed and I burst out laughing.

“Yes I know, and it’s hilarious
dude.” I told him through laughter.

He rolled his eyes. “Go ahead and
laugh Lucy.” He said taking my hand and leading me back to the car.

“Oh babe, I will.” I assured him
still grinning.

We went back home and cuddled
together in bed. Max came to join us and we watched the movie
Home
together. Landon packed his bag for the next night and we went to sleep. The
next morning I had to practically push him out the door. He was like a little
boy being shipped off to summer camp I had to pry him off of me. He promised to
call me when he got there and I promised to tell him all about the show. James
and Sam arrived shortly after Landon left and we headed over to the school. The
show began at 11, and I needed to be there when it began. There was a large
crowd outside waiting when we arrived. My palms grew sweaty as my anxiety went
into overdrive.

Nick threw his arm around my shoulder
and kissed my temple. “It’s going to be fine baby girl. Don’t worry about it.”
he assured me and it made me feel a little bit better.

We were one of the last people to
enter. They revealed one section at a time. I was last and my stuff was still
in a closed off section of the room. I took in some of the other paintings and
studied their strokes and color usage. I would need to incorporate some of
these techniques in my work. There were a lot of great pieces. We have been here
for about an hour when Catherine finally announced me. She gave me a glowing
praise and it boosted my confidence just a bit. The space was opened up and
people began filtering in. I heard gasps and became nervous. Did they not like
my work? I was almost afraid to find out. I felt a hand in mine and looked up
to see James smiling down at me encouragingly. I smiled back and squared my
shoulders ready to face what people thought.

I walked inside and when I caught
sight of my work I immediately froze. All of my paintings were ruined. Each one
was covered in insults in big red paint. There was whore, bitch, slut, and more
strewn across all my paintings. My eyes stung with tears, I couldn’t believe
someone had ruined my work. I stepped inside and immediately looked for the
painting I did of the family. When I saw it I couldn’t hold back the tears. I
put a lot of work into it and had big plans to put it up in the family room. It
was a piece I was most proud of since it meant so much. It held memories from
that day, that moment, Dean, and someone ruined it. I walked closer to it. This
one was different. Instead of just splattering paint and profanities on it,
they had covered
me
in paint. The rest of the photo was intact except
for me. My body shook and my knees got weak. My entire face was covered in red
paint so you couldn’t even tell it was me and there was a mark in the middle of
my chest that looked like blood leaking from a target. Nick caught me before I
hit the floor and I let him hold me. The show was immediately cancelled and
Catherine apologized to me profusely, but it wasn’t her fault. Who would do
this to me?

We all went back to the house and I
curled up in a ball on the couch and cried. Not only was my stuff ruined, but
someone basically sent me a threat. The thought made my body shake. I haven’t
done anything to anyone to deserve this. After a while I settled and was able
to think clearly. I didn’t answer Landon’s call because he would know that
there was something wrong. It’ll be fucked up to spill this to him while he’s
away an about to play a game. I was watching TV when my phone chimed. It was a
text from Landon.
Come meet me at our hotel. I miss you. I’m in room 32,
there will be a keycard for you at the front desk.
I read the text twice
and made my decision to go. It was only an hour drive and I really wanted
Landon. Just to hold me and tell me everything is ok. Fine, I’m being needy but
so what… he’ll deal with it.

I went upstairs and packed an
overnight bag. Technically they aren’t supposed to have people with them in
their rooms, but this is Landon. Since when does he ever follow the rules and
his ass always gets away with it. I took my time getting myself ready since it
was still pretty early when he first texted… it was before the game. I checked
the time and noted that their game should’ve just ended. I hopped in my car and
drove to the hotel. I couldn’t help but get excited at the thought of seeing
him. After the day I had I needed my dose of Landon.

I made it to the hotel and went to
the front desk. “Hi, my name is Lucy. There should be a card here for me?” I
asked.

The lady behind the counter smiled
and checked around. She slid an envelope with my name on it across the desk to
me. “Enjoy your stay.” She said and I smiled and thanked her.

I went to the elevators and went up
to the 3
^rd
floor. I found room 32 and took the card out of the
envelope and inserted it into the door to let myself in. I immediately heard
the shower running as soon as I got into the room and I smiled. I put my bag
down on the bed and started to make my way to the bathroom door to let him know
I was there. As I was walking I noticed something red on the floor. I frowned
and bent down to inspect it. It was a red thong,
what the fuck
? I heard
the shower turn off and I looked around. I noticed a matching bra hanging off
the back of a chair in the corner. I walked over to it and frowned. Am I in the
wrong room? But that wouldn’t make sense since the key card was left for me and
everything. The door to the bathroom opened and steam billowed out. I looked up
and didn’t find what I was looking for. There was a blond girl standing in the
doorway wrapped in a towel.

I hit defcon 1 in 1.5 seconds. “
Who
the fuck are you
?” I practically yelled.

She jumped in surprise. “Excuse me?
You’re the one who just came into the room. I would think I should be asking
you that.” She retorted putting her hands on her hips.

I crossed my arms. “This is Landon’s
room right?” I asked.

She quirked an eyebrow. “Yea, and?”

I scoffed. My anger was at an all-time
high and my hand was itching to slap a bitch. I’m not going to lie, it was a
combination of the whole day… but it’s unfortunate for her she stepped into my
path. “See this ring?” I asked pointing to my engagement ring. “This means that
I can ask whatever the fuck I please. Now where the hell is Landon and why are
you in his room… Naked.” She opened her mouth to answer and I put up a hand to
stop her. “Before you answer just know that I am on a war path and I won’t mind
putting you on your ass.” I made sure she got the message before I waved at her
to continue.

“Listen. I don’t know about all this
engagement ring and girlfriends and stuff. Landon and I hook up at away games
and sometimes back at school. There’s none of that relationship stuff. There’s
an itch, we scratch it… simple. I had no idea about you and it’s not really my
business. If you’re looking for him he’s out getting food. I’ll be getting
dressed and I’m out of here. This is too much drama for me.” She dropped the
towel and started getting dressed in front of me. I didn’t even blink. I
grabbed my bag and left back to my car. I wasn’t going to cry, fuck no. this is
just too fucking much for me right now. When I got back to my car I held my
phone in my hand. I know I should talk to him. I dialed his number and he
answered on the second ring.

“Hey Lucy.”

“Hi. Where are you?” I asked cutting
to the chase.